New drinks industry research shows that Scotch whisky contributes around £5 billion to the UK economy, supporting more than 40,000 jobs.

In Scotland, whiskey is the second biggest export product after North Sea oil. The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), who commissioned the report, said it represents a quarter of all food and drink exports.

Its value to the UK economy has soared 21% in seven years and now contributes more than major industries such as iron and steel and computing.

The report revealed that every job in whisky industry supports 2.7 posts in related sectors, while every £1 million generated creates a further £520,000 through related services such as logistics, design and packaging.

SWA chief executive David Frost said: "This new report shows just how significant the Scotch whisky industry is to the wider UK economy, adding £5bn of value, supporting over 40,000 jobs, and contributing £4bn to Britain's trade performance.

"Scotch whisky must be recognised as a cultural asset that boosts growth and jobs, supports communities and combines the best of the traditional and the modern.

"Given the scale and impact of the Scotch whisky industry, we believe the government should show its support. One way of doing so, in the short term, would be for the chancellor to cut excise duty by 2% in the March Budget."